News

Duluth City Councilors Join Mayor Larson For Inauguration

DULUTH, Minn. – Four Duluth city councilors were sworn in Thursday through a virtual ceremony with Mayor Emily Larson. Therese Tomaneck, Azrin Awal and Mike Mayou were all inaugurated as the newest members of the council. Tomanek has already served on the council after winning a special election previously. Awal is the first Asian-American to join the council. And Mayou…

Acting St. Louis Co. Atty. Kimberly Maki Running For Official Office This Nov.

DULUTH, Minn. – Acting St. Louis County Attorney Kimberly Maki, who recently took over for Mark Rubin who retired after more than 40 years of service, has announced she’s running to keep that seat in the next election. Maki announced her campaign Thursday outside the Virginia County Courthouse where she says her interest in law began nearly 30 years ago…

Mayor Larson Announces 30-Day Duluth Mask Mandate; Restaurant Assoc. Not Thrilled

DULUTH, Minn. — Just days after the Duluth City Council was unable to unanimously vote to pass a new city-wide mask mandate, and after councilors agreed Mayor Emily Larson should take the lead on emergency orders of that kind, Larson stepped to the podium Thursday afternoon announcing just that — a new mask mandate for the next 30 days effective…

St. Louis County’s Size, Local Governments Within County Make It Unlikely For Mask Mandate

The only mask mandate within the county has been inside county buildings.

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County’s Public Health Director, Amy Westbrook, spoke in support of Duluth’s mask mandate Thursday, and the county released a statement on its take on a possible county wide mask mandate. Westbrook, along with Essentia’s Chief Medical Officer, pointed to growing concerns over hospitalization rates.  Out of the 342 hospital beds at Essentia in Duluth, 58…

Eveleth Celebrating 100th Anniversary Of Hippodrome On Saturday

EVELETH, Minn. – The 100th anniversary of the Hippodrome opening in Eveleth will be celebrated this weekend. For the past century, it’s been the venue where quite a few famous hockey stars have graced the ice, and it’s now somewhat of a mecca for Iron Range hockey history. It was also home to many basketball games, fundraisers, and even concerts…

Songwriters Encouraged to Enter North of Nashville Competition

DULUTH, Minn. – Songwriters have their chance to earn a spot to showcase their talents at Duluth’s Fourth Fest. The North of Nashville showcase is asking for original song submissions through January 21 to highlight area talent.  The organizer says it’s a chance to bring a bit of the Nashville experience to the Northland, regardless of music genre. “Country music today…

Wisconsin Healthcare Systems Under Pressure

Wisconsin healthcare systems are still under pressure due to the increase of COVID cases and staffing shortages. In Wisconsin, 95 percent of intensive and intermediate care beds are currently in use, and 13,000 thousand new cases were reported in the state. To provide relief to Wisconsin hospitals, since October, DHS has recruited 626 new healthcare workers, and the state is…

Aerial Lift Bridge Temporarily Shut Down After Person Climbs To Top

DULUTH, Minn. –   The Aerial Lift Bridge was temporarily shut down Thursday evening after authorities said someone climbed to the very top of the structure. The city alerted people to stay away from the area around 7 p.m. “We are asking the public to stay away from Lake Avenue and Morse Street while we provide assistance to the individual. The…

Mayor Larson Announces 30-Day Mask Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson on Thursday announced at a City Hall press conference that she is putting a 30-day mask mandate in place effective Friday at 5:00 p.m. The mask mandate will last through 5:00 p.m. on February 12. “The City has spent the last two days rewriting this proclamation and declaration,” Mayor Emily Larson said. “I…

Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters Once Again on the Table

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The ongoing tug-of-war over whether mining should be allowed near the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been resurrected with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Federal officials once again gathered feedback from the public in a virtual meeting Wednesday that comes more than five years after a 20-year mining ban was first…

BWCA Quota Permit Reservations Available at End of Month

DULUTH, Minn. – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness quota permit reservations will be available starting January 26 at 9:00 a.m. for the 2022 season. Visitors are encouraged to book their reservations for May 1 through September 20 online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A permit is required for visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a…

National Guard to Staff Wisconsin Hospitals, Nursing Homes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin National Guard troops will help fill staffing shortages at the state’s hospitals and nursing homes over the coming weeks due to a surge in COVID-19 patients, Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday. The governor said troops are being trained as certified nursing assistants. About 50 soldiers were deployed to six nursing homes during the past week….

Supreme Court Halts COVID-19 Vaccine Rule for US Businesses

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job. At the same time, the court is allowing the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers in the U.S. The…

Minneapolis Schools Move Instruction Online as Virus Surges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minneapolis Public Schools will pivot to online instruction for two weeks because the coronavirus has significantly reduced the number of school staff available for in-person learning. Virtual education will begin Friday with students returning to the classroom on Jan. 31. Minneapolis joins a growing list of school districts planning to move to distance learning, including Osseo, Prior…

Midday Update 1-13-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 13, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 13, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

The Heat Stays On: Earth Hits 6th Warmest Year on Record

(AP) – Two U.S. science agencies say 2021 was the sixth hottest year on record globally, part of a long-term warming trend. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Thursday released measurements showing how hot last year was. It wasn’t record hot, but the year’s 58.5-degree average is not much behind the record. The last eight years have been…

Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Try This Healthier Dessert Recipe

Cooking Connection: Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chef Arlene Coco

DULUTH, Minn. – This delicious dessert qualifies as a “raw foods” dessert as well as vegetarian. Chocolate Avocado Mousse can be made a couple of days ahead. A delicious and nutritious treat that anyone can eat. It even qualifies as a “raw” dessert. Stevia and Splenda can also be used for the sweetener. Recipe:  Serving size: 4 Ingredients: 2 ripe…

Spirit Mountain Invites Community to Experience New Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

The Rink is Open Tuesday - Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking to beat the winter blues, the staff at Spirit Mountain invites you to check out their new, free ice skating rink that’s now open to the public. “I’m really excited. Spirit Mountain has been around for 48 years, we’ve been around for a long time,” said Ann Glumac, Interim Director at Spirit Mountain. This…

Morning Update 1-13-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 13, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 13, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Fire Dept.: Cause Of Superior Warehouse Fire May Never Be Known

The extensive damage to the building is hindering the investigation into a cause.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been almost a week since two warehouses went up in flames in Superior’s North End district, and now FOX 21 is learning there’s a strong chance a cause may never been known. Light smoke could be seen Wednesday coming from the rubble of what’s left of the 1980s-era buildings near the Blatnik Bridge. Old Main Park…

Douglas County Public Health Reports Rapid Rise in New COVID-19 Infections

In the Past 30 Days, 11 Residents Have Been Hospitalized with COVID-19 in Douglas County

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County Public Health is reporting a steady rise in new COVID-19 cases, with reports coming from PCR and rapid testing. Throughout the month of December, the health department reported 439 cases. In the first two weeks of 2022, the department has reported 349 new cases. Officials say the virus is spreading throughout all ages, however, more…

Red Cross Blood Crisis Continues in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — As the blood shortage crisis continues throughout the country, the Northland Red Cross chapter is doing what they can to keep donation numbers up. Since the pandemic, donation levels have decreased by 10%. And while getting donors has been a challenge, finding volunteers to work drives has also been hard. But now the Red Cross is promoting…

Cloquet Gets Funding For Expanding Broadband, Asks Residents To Take Survey

CLOQUET, Minn. – A foundation is recognizing Cloquet as an area of rural Minnesota that could use some help boosting its access to broadband internet. The Blandin Foundation offers $75,000 matching grants to help advance technology goals for communities that apply to be a part of the program, and Cloquet is one of the newest cities to receive funding from…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Resuming Volunteer Training

DULUTH, Minn. – After seeing record attendance in 2021, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is hoping to see this trend continue in 2022. They are in need of volunteers to help run their various excursions, and they are offering free training starting next month for those interested.  Unlike in years past, there will be no waiting for new trainees to get…

Proctor Schools, Essentia Health Host Student Career Fair

PROCTOR, Minn. – Students at Proctor High and A.I. Jedlicka Middle schools got the chance to learn more about the various job opportunities the medical field has to offer. Proctor Pathways and Essentia Health showcased nearly two dozen different departments, ranging from nursing to athletic training to sterile processing tech. Organizers say this is the first time since the start…

Grand Rapids Attorney Arrested, Arraigned on Charges of Sexual Criminal Conduct

DULUTH, Minn. – A Grand Rapids attorney charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct was arrested and arraigned today on five counts of criminal sexual conduct. According to court records, Jesse Powell, 32, missed his initial court appearance on Monday resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest. An email from the judge filed with the case states,…

Minneapolis, St. Paul Requiring Proof of COVID Vaccination for Restaurants, Bars

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis and St. Paul officials provided an update on each cities’ response to addressing the recent increase in COVID-19 cases during a virtual press conference Wednesday, Mayors Jacob Frey and Melvin Carter announced their respective cities would institute a proof of vaccination of negative test taken within 72 hours for “customers at all places people eat or drink”…

Judge Agrees To Delay State Trial for 3 Cops in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota judge has agreed to delay a state court trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s death, though he didn’t immediately set a date. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill told attorneys to agree on a new date that’s within one year. They must inform the court by Sunday. Cahill said if they…

Midday Update 1-12-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Marquardt Joins House Members Who Won’t Seek Reelection

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The number of Minnesota state lawmakers who don’t plan to seek reelection continues to grow. Longtime Rep. Paul Marquart joined the list Wednesday. The Democrat was first elected to the House 22 years ago after serving as Dilworth’s mayor for 11 years. Marquardt says that at age 65 it’s time to try…

Morning Update 1-12-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

US Inflation Soared 7% In Past Year, the Most Since 1982

WASHINGTON (AP) – Prices paid by U.S. consumers jumped 7% in December from a year earlier, the highest inflation rate since 1982, and the latest evidence that rising costs for food, gas, rent and other necessities are heightening the financial pressures on America’s households. Inflation has spiked during the recovery from the pandemic recession as Americans have ramped up spending…

Mayor Larson’s Office Responds To Council’s Mask Mandate Failure

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and her administration released a statement Tuesday in response to the city council’s failure to pass a new mask mandate Monday night and after the council agreed the mayor’s office has full power and resources to lead the way on emergency orders like a mask mandate if that office so chooses, instead of…

Black Water Lounge Is Back Open In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth’s premiere martini bar, Black Water Lounge, is finally back open after three years in the dark. If you liked the atmosphere before, you’ll be happy to know that vibe remains the same with the popular band Maxi Childs Trio back at it on Tuesday and Thursday evening. The signature cocktails and apps are also back,…

Lake Superior Ice Festival is Back Jan. 28-29

The Lake Superior Ice Festival is back for its sixth year at its current capacity. There are a lot of new activities happening this year including an ice carousel, hot air balloon rides, mini golf, live music, and a ton more. The family orientated event in and around Barker’s Island that will also have activities targeted for kids like ice…

Hit the Dance Floor at New North Shore Ballroom Studio in Duluth

They offer classes for beginners in both private lessons and group classes as well as advanced classes.

DULUTH, Minn.- For anyone looking to try something new this New Year there’s a new ballroom dance studio in Duluth looking for people who want to try moving and grooving into 2022. The North Shore Ballroom Studio just opened in the Kenwood neighborhood this past June. They offer classes for beginners in both private lessons and group classes as well…

Collector’s Connection Hopes To Reach More Hobbyists with New Superior Location

The owner says the new location allows him more room to display and sell his roughly 100 thousand comics, sports cards, and more.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A longtime comic book and hobby store in Duluth has expanded to cater to enthusiasts across the bridge. Collector’s Connection opened its new location on Tower Avenue in Superior this past Black Friday. This is their second location the first being up by Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. The owner says the new location allows him more room…

Building Material Prices on the Upswing

DULUTH, Minn.-For those looking to build or remodel their homes this year, now is the time to start planning. Lumber prices are on the upswing right now as production has been slow due to the pandemic. Also, these prices are high due to the doubling of Canadian tariffs, dramatic wildfires, and high demand. There are still disruptions in the supply…

Businesses Reopen after Condemned Esmond Building Fire Monday

Caddyshack Indoor Golf and Pub is just a few blocks down from the building which was engulfed in smoke and flames for seven hours Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some businesses in Lincoln Park opened back up Tuesday after Monday’s intense fire at the condemned Esmond Building, which once housed the Seaway Hotel. Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub is just a few blocks down from the building which was engulfed in smoke and flames for seven hours Monday. The owner tells Fox 21 her biggest concern…

All Superior Students Required To Mask Up Again Wednesday

According to the Superintendent, going back to masking is the best way to get ahead of the spread and go back to the low transmission they saw from September to December.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting Wednesday, masks are back for everyone in Superior Schools — less than a week after making masks optional when cases were low enough among students and staff. But that’s not the case anymore, and Superintendent Amy Starzecki said this change could happen, basing it all on the numbers. It may seem like a quick turnaround, but Starzecki…